1937 was a landmark year for baseball cards as it marked the first time that cards from multiple baseball card companies were released in the same year, showcating the growing popularity of collecting baseball cards as a hobby. While companies like American Caramel had been producing baseball cards since the 1890s, 1937 saw the entry of new competitors like Goudey Gum Company and the National Chicle Company which would help transform baseball cards from promotional items into serious collectibles.

Goudey released their famous 1933 and 1935 sets in the previous years but 1937 was when they really started to innovate and produce some of the most iconic and valuable vintage cards. Their set from this year featured photographic images on the fronts for the first time. Previously, most cards used illustrated drawings but Goudey’s photographic cards set a new standard. They also featured biographies on the backs of the cards which provided important player stats and info for collectors. This established a template that would be followed by card makers for decades.

Some other key aspects of the 1937 Goudey set that make it highly desirable for collectors today include that it was the last Goudey set to feature original images as 1938 and 1939 reused photos. It was also one of the smallest sets produced at only 102 cards. This scarcity has certainly contributed to the value of the cards today. Rookies featured included future Hall of Famers Ted Williams and Bob Feller. In gem mint condition, their rookie cards can sell for over $100,000 each!

National Chicle, known for its Diamond Stars brand, also released a set in 1937 though it was much larger at 242 cards. Like Goudey, National Chicle used original photos on their cards. The photos were smaller and placed on a white background as opposed to Goudey’s more colorful and visually appealing design. Still, the Diamond Stars cards provide another opportunity for collectors to obtain the rookies of Williams, Feller, and other stars from that season. In high grades, a complete set of 1937 Diamond Stars could be worth $15,000-$20,000.

Another notable aspect of the 1937 card market was the huge numbers of tobacco cards that were still being released. While these had declined significantly from their peak in the early 1900s, companies like Old Mill, Bell Brand, and Play Ball still produced tobacco sets in the millions. These mass produced cards make up the bulk of what is available today and can be obtained for just a few dollars per card even in top condition. They are still interesting for collectors to pursue players and teams from that season.

When assessing the value of any given 1937 card, condition is critical. Even a small crease or corner ding can decrease a card’s value dramatically. For the most desirable cards, collectors want them in pristine “gem mint” status with no flaws. This ensures the vivid colors and sharp details of the original printing are preserved. The higher the grade, the more willing serious collectors will be to pay top dollar.

It’s also important to consider certain players inherently hold more value than others. Beyond the obvious stars, cards of pitchers tend to be more valuable than position players. This is because their cards were not chewed as much by kids in the bubblegum era. Shortstops and catchers also command a premium since fewer were printed. Rookies are particularly valuable, as are any cards that capture a player in his first or only season with a certain team.

When building a collection from this classic era, it’s best to focus on quality over quantity. Having a few pristine examples from the premium Goudey and Diamond Stars sets will be much more valuable in the long run than amassing hundreds of played tobacco cards. Condition census data from tracking services like PSA can also give collectors a sense of an individual card’s scarcity and demand.

The 1937 season was truly a watershed moment that helped elevate baseball cards to a new level of popularity and collectibility. The innovations and competition between companies like Goudey and National Chicle in this year established many of the hallmarks that still drive the hobby today. While it predated many modern collecting practices, 1937 marked the point at which baseball cards truly emerged as serious collectibles in their own right.